The next level of health monitoring: Withings ScanWatch 2

Ahead of IFA 2023 in Berlin, Withings has introduced its latest offering, the ScanWatch 2. This new version brings a number of enhancements compared to its predecessor, with the most notable being the addition of 24/7 body temperature monitoring. Alongside this, Withings has also rolled out a more cost-effective variant known as ScanWatch Light.

We reviewed the original Scanwatch back in 2020. This device is for those who want comprehensive health tracking features without the aesthetic compromise often associated with typical smartwatches. Its design is elegant, discreet, and sturdy, offering a touch of class that sets it apart.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

While ScanWatch does offer some functionalities akin to a sportswatch, it’s neither that nor a full-fledged smartwatch. Its core strength lies in advanced health, activity, and sleep monitoring capabilities. The device’s month-long battery life and user-friendly interface make it a low-maintenance yet effective wearable, laying a solid groundwork for the newly introduced ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light.

Pre-orders for both devices are now available on the Withings website. The ScanWatch 2 is priced at $349.95, while the ScanWatch Light is more budget-friendly at just under $249.95—making it not only $100 less than its advanced counterpart but also more affordable than the first-generation device.

In terms of design specifics, the ScanWatch 2 offers two case sizes: 38mm and 42mm. True to its hybrid nature, the watch features physical hands on its dial, complemented by a 0.63-inch grayscale OLED screen. The dial is protected by sapphire crystal, and both the case and crown are crafted from stainless steel.

Multiple color and design options are available. The 42mm model initially comes in a silver/black combo, with a silver/white variant to follow. It features integrated lugs and a flatter, more prominent bezel. The 38mm model offers a bar-style lug design and is available in several color combinations, including silver/white, silver/black, and rose gold/sand, with a rose gold/blue version expected soon. The strap material is fluoroelastomer with a stainless steel buckle.

As for the ScanWatch Light, it comes in a single 37mm stainless steel case size. Unlike its counterpart, the dial is covered with Gorilla Glass but maintains the same OLED screen feature.

Scanwatch 2 takes on-board all the great health and fitness features of its predecessor and enhances them with some additional functionality. The first generation device was the most feature-packed hybrid on the market, the second generation device takes this even further.

Regarding regulatory clearances, ScanWatch 2 has received approval for atrial fibrillation detection via ECG recording. However, the blood oxygen function is currently awaiting approval.

It’s worth noting that the original ScanWatch already has this feature, and the sensors in the new device have been enhanced for greater precision. As a result, obtaining approval for this function in the near future should not be a problem. Withings chose to proceed with the launch of ScanWatch 2 without waiting for this specific approval to avoid any release delays.

One of the most notable additions to ScanWatch 2 is the continuous monitoring of the user’s body temperature. To clarify, its body temperature we are talking about here, and not skin temperature that other watches measure during sleep. So it’s kind of a big deal. Developed by Withings and a Swiss technology company named GreenTEG, body temperature monitoring works around the clock.

Utilizing the TempTech module, the watch combines a miniaturized heat flux sensor with a high-accuracy skin temperature sensor to arrive at its readings. This feature will be particularly useful for detecting early signs of illness or understanding how your body responds to various activities and stressors.

Users get a baseline variation of their temperature both during the day and night. Additionally they will get temperature zones during workout, awake temperature zones and recovery temperature after a workout. Once again, something no other watch provides.

HRV is a metric that is for the first time included on a Withings watch. It measures the variation in time between each heartbeat. This is an important indicator of stress and overall well-being. The company says HRV readings will be enabled later this year, so not at the outset.

The inclusion of this metric in ScanWatch 2 provides users with a more holistic view of their cardiovascular health. Athletes typically use HRV to follow their training recovery. High values as compared to a person’s individual baseline indicate greater readiness to train.

The addition of menstrual cycle tracking is a another step towards comprehensive health monitoring. Women can log symptoms, flow, and period dates directly on the watch. This data is then used to predict future period dates, helping user’s align routines with their monthly needs.

The upgraded sensors allow ScanWatch 2 to automatically recognize and track over 40 different activities. Whether you’re swimming, cycling, or doing yoga, the watch adjusts its tracking parameters to provide the most accurate data possible.

Just like the original, the ScanWatch 2 comes with an impressive 30-day battery life. This allows for continuous health monitoring without the hassle of frequent charging. The excellent battery life is particularly beneficial for tracking sleep patterns and other metrics that require long-term monitoring.

The updated HealthSense OS includes PowerSense Pro, a feature that optimizes the timing of health measurements to extend battery life. It also ensures that the watch only tracks data when it is being worn, avoiding unnecessary power consumption.

Withings says it has upgraded the sensor technology included in their devices. There’s a new PPG heart rate sensor, improved electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities with new outputs, and a high dynamic range accelerometer.

The MultiWave PPG Sensor built into Scanwatch 2 uses four wavelengths and 16 PPG channels to provide more accurate and diverse health metrics. This sensor technology enhances the watch’s ability to monitor additional health parameters such as HRV and even respiratory rate.

The inclusion of a High Dynamic Range Accelerometer allows for more precise identification and tracking of activities and workouts. It adds additional directional sensors that improve the watch’s ability to automatically detect a wider range of sports and activities.

The ScanWatch Light offers a more affordable alternative without compromising on essential features. It shares the same HealthSense technology and 30-day battery life as the ScanWatch 2, making it an excellent choice for those new to health tracking. It also comes with a similar premium design.

As far as health monitoring, there are some features that are missing over ScanWatch 2. This includes elevation, temperature tracking, blood oxygen, Afib (via ECG recording), along with high/low heart rate alerts.

Withings has once again demonstrated its commitment to advancing the field of health-focused wearables with the introduction of ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light. These devices build upon the solid foundation laid by the first generation device. The original was a standout for its elegant design and comprehensive health tracking features, setting a high bar for its successors.

The ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light not only meet but exceed these expectations. They offer a range of new features, from baseline body temperature monitoring to heart rate variability and menstrual cycle tracking. The ScanWatch 2, in particular, is a powerhouse of health metrics, all while maintaining a 30-day battery life. On the other hand, the ScanWatch Light provides a budget-friendly option without compromising essential features.

Both devices are now available for pre-order on the Withings website, with wider retail availability expected in October. Whether you’re a health-conscious individual or someone new to the world of wearables, these new additions to the Withings lineup offer compelling options to consider.

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